Haisman Shield | Gallery | Katandra outduels rival Numurkah to record ‘special’ preliminary final triumph

With the Simpson family serving as their motivation, the Eagles took the field on Saturday with the sole intention of getting a win for Clayton, and in doing so produced arguably their most impressive performance of the season.

Led by a classy 95 from the ever-reliable Andrew Riordan, Katandra put together an imposing first innings total of 6-215 to set the platform for victory.

Before an inspirational spell by skipper Ben Clurey ensured the emotionally-charged day would have a happy ending, as he took 4-21 to swing the game back in the Eagles’ favour after Michael Eckard had led the Blues into a winning position halfway through the chase.

Clurey said there were mixed emotions after the final wicket fell, as the day served as one of the highlights of his cricket career.

“There were a lot of emotions kicking around to be honest,” Clurey said.

“There’s the thrill of making a grand final first and foremost, winning in a close game as well, so everyone was extremely happy about that.

“But then coming off the ground afterwards it was very emotional as the community got right behind us.

“For me it was one of the most special days I’ve had on a cricket field, the range of emotions we all felt throughout the day were huge, and for it to end up like it did with us winning it was very special.”

Winning the toss and batting first, the Eagles found themselves in early stife as Clurey and fellow opener James Dawson fell cheaply.

Coming together at 2-20, Katandra stalwarts Riordan and Jedd Wright were tasked with getting things back on track, and in typical style the pair produced a stunning rescue job.

Putting on 84 for the second wicket, both were aggressive in their approach as Wright brought up his half-century before being dismissed quickly thereafter for 51.

Riordan continued the charge into the final overs and with help from Nathan Hickey (26) and Sam Wright (23) boosted the total above 210.

“Those two guys (Andrew and Jedd) were just awesome in the way they handled the early pressure and went on to put us in a great position,” Clurey said.

“From the sidelines it was just terrific to watch those two guys go to work, they played with great freedom and showed just how classy they are as bats.”

Heading into the second innings with their nose in front, Eagles opening bowlers Corey Hickford and Raymond Ireland were dangerous early, but could not make that crucial early breakthrough.

This let the class of Eckard quickly take control of the game, as he and Liam Gledhill put together a crucial 69-run stand to have the Blues in control at 1-95.

Playing with complete control, the wicket of Eckard quickly became the key to the match as he surged past 50 with ease.

Just as it looked like he was going to get his team home, Clurey popped up with a little piece of magic, taking the pace off the ball and forcing the aggressive opener to hole out to the deep for 69.

The wicket of Eckard capped a match-winning spell from the skipper, who also claimed the scalps of Dylan Grandell, Tim Arnel and Matthew Cline to ensure his team walked off the field victorious.

“We felt if we could get rid of Michael (Eckard) that would make a massive dent in their chances, he batted brilliantly and hit the ball with a lot of power,” Clurey said.

“So while he was there we were in a bit of danger, but my mindset with the ball was just to be disciplined and make it hard for them and luckily it came off in him making the mistake.

“It was nice to contribute with the ball after I didn’t do much with the bat.”

Following the wicket of Eckard, the Blues lost a stunning 6-41 as Hickford (2-14) and Hadleigh Sirett (2-33) combined to wrap up the tail.

The Eagles will now face Central Park-St Brendan’s in this weekend’s grand final where they will look to add one final heroic chapter to their epic finals series tale.